Chapter 1810: Chapter 2024

Luisa’s excitement bubbled over.

“Alright, I’m all in! Thanks! No need for a ring or anything.

I just want Payne Group to help me get the news out to the public.

”

Sonny, still flustered from the ki*ses, murmured to Luisa, “Try to exercise some restraint.

There are others with us.

You appeared eager to consume me.

”

The room erupted into laughter at his modest protest.

Joining in the mirth, Luisa, mirroring Lucinda’s earlier action, clutched at Sonny’s collar with mock severity.

“The moment you brought me from Eurfrica, you were stuck with me.

”

Sonny, gently prying her hand away, assured her with a hint of humor, “Easy now.

I have no plans to escape.

I supported your expenses and studies.

Just think of all the fees as an investment I plan to recoup!”

Their banter drew a louder chorus of laughter from everyone around them.

Cyrus, with a teasing grin, remarked, “Nathan, for someone like Sonny at the top of the National Security Bureau and the Payne Group, his generosity doesn’t quite match up.

Tightening the purse strings a bit, aren’t you?”

Seizing the moment to air his grievances, Sonny muttered, “It’s not the salary itself.

It’s Nathan with a short fuse, always slicing bits off my pay.

One or two snips, and there goes a year’s worth of work.

”

Nathan set down his fork, a shadow passing over his features.

The quiet clink seemed to thunder in Sonny’s ears.

In an instant, Sonny’s bravado crumbled.

“I misspoke, Nathan.

Honestly, you are top-notch-kind, detailed, and so thoughtful of your team.

Not once have you cut my pay without good reason.

”

Nathan, having listened in silence, finally gave a slow nod.

“Seems like you’ve been slipping up on the training.

Stop by my office tomorrow.

We’ll revisit those sessions,” he said with a finality that brooked no argument.

A chill went through Sonny as he recalled tales of Mekhi’s harrowing times in Nathan’s office.

The fear was palpable.

There was no point in pleading.

Sonny had to figure out a leverage point over Nathan, something to sway the impending ordeal.

In a desperate turn, Sonny sought Lucinda’s aid.

“Lucinda, I need your help.

Nathan is using his authority for personal vendettas, and I will suffer because of it.

If you stand by me, I will reveal the details of the romantic advances he received at the border.

”

“Sonny!” Nathan called out, his voice tinted with displeasure, revealing his mounting anxiety.

Lucinda, catching the gravity of Nathan’s reaction, sensed there was more to the story.

Graham, Hilliard, and Cyrus all turned their attention to Sonny.

Graham, eyebrows raised, inquired, “Nathan’s not been faithful, has he?”

Hilliard, with a hint of challenge, asked, “What about your vows to Lucinda, Nathan?”

Cyrus intervened, hoping to defuse the tension.

“Nathan, what’s this mess? Surely you haven’t been reckless?”

Nathan, his expression stormy and lost for words, faced the collective scrutiny.

Lucinda, with a steely tone, demanded, “Out with it.

I want the full story.

”

Caught in the gaze of all, Nathan remained without response, the weight of silence heavy in the air.